Health Bill update
The Health Bill, which (amongst other things) proposes the abolition of NHS England, the introduction of a Single Patient Record and transferring the functions of local Healthwatch to ICBs and Local authorities, is progressing through Parliament.
During the Third Reading in the House of Commons, we were pleased to hear from the Minister for Health that the government recognised the strength of feeling in support of Healthwatch in the House and committed to reviewing the provisions to “ensure that our approach sufficiently empowers and devolves to local populations.”.
The Second Reading of the Bill in the House of Lords took place on Tuesday 13 October. There was strong cross-bench support for retaining an independent local patient voice, with Peers highlighting Healthwatch’s trusted community relationships, independent scrutiny and ability to reach seldom heard groups.
Several Peers called for reform rather than abolition, warning that transferring responsibilities to ICBs and local authorities could undermine independence and public trust.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has said "I am clear there has to be an independent voice for patients as part of the health system. It’s why I said at the time of the Third Reading that the Government was looking again at Healthwatch and we would report back in the Lords. We will do that very shortly in advance of the committee stage."
As of this morning, we are aware that the Lords Health Minister Baroness Merron has written to Peers to say the Government no longer plans to fold the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) into the Care Quality Commission.
The Committee Stage begins on 28 October.
Whilst these discussions continue, we are very much still here.
We are proud of our independent and impartial role, championing the voice of local people to shape, improve and get the best from NHS, health and social care services.
Whatever is decided regarding Healthwatch, we will work with our partners to establish what this could mean for patient/service user feedback; community engagement; understanding needs and barriers, and information/advice. Luminus will continue to shine a light on what matters to people through our Giving Carers a Voice and Surrey Substance Use Partnership Public Involvement services, and our many other projects ensuring people’s voices are heard to support their wellbeing.
